Philosophy and Theology

Formal Education at
The Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology

Philosophy & Theology

From the beginning of the Order, St. Dominic wanted his friars to be educated well in philosophy and theology.  He sent them to the best universities available, and there they took root.  A good understanding and appreciation for philosophy is necessary, if a good understanding and appreciation of theology is to be obtained.  Today, the Western Province continues the heritage of being steeped in philosophy as preparation for the study of theology.

Each student will study two full years of philosophy from the pre-Socratics of the Ancients through the medieval, moderns, and contemporaries.  Philosophical anthropology, Aristotelian logic, metaphysics, and other courses help the student begin the grounding work.  It is not required that students earn a bachelor or master of arts in philosophy, but most students find it easily accomplished.

After the first two years of philosophy, each student will study four years of theology.  During this time, they will earn a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts in Theology.  These two degrees prepare the student for either pastoral or academic pursuits.  You can expect to experience a full Thomistic education, and to better understand why the Church still heavily relies on Thomas Aquinas for explaining the faith.   You can learn more about our educational opportunities by visiting the website of our school, the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology.

To allow the student to broaden their theological studies, they will spend one year outside the province studying theology.  This usually occurs during the first year of theology, and often our students spend this year in Washington, D.C. at the Dominican House of Studies.  There are other options, and we have students study throughout Europe, the Philippines, Mexico, and other countries of the world.  Just as in the beginning of the Order, we desire our friars to be well educated and have the best opportunities to achieve their goals.

For those friars who show an aptitude and inclination, post-Masters study will continue after a period of public ministry.  A friar of the Western Province should not only be well educated, but should also be well versed in the skills necessary to effectively preach the fruit of their studies to a world so very much in need of our particular charism.

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